How to Fix VLC MOV to MP4 No Audio or Sound Issues

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VLC Convert MOV to MP4 No Sound Issue/Symptoms

After converting MOV to MP4, users report that Windows Media Player, QuickTime, or other default media players show no audio. The video plays fine, but the sound is completely absent unless VLC or another robust player is used.

1. Converted MP4 plays muted in most players

After converting MOV to MP4, users report that Windows Media Player, QuickTime, or other default media players show no audio. The video plays fine, but the sound is completely absent unless VLC or another robust player is used.

2. Audio works in VLC or GOM Player

The same converted files play both video and audio perfectly in VLC or GOM Player. Users notice that VLC may show the audio muted by default, requiring manual unmute to hear sound.

3. Conversion with default VLC profiles causes issues

Using VLC’s standard conversion presets (e.g., H.264 + MP3) often results in silent output for other players. The problem usually stems from unsupported audio codecs, mismatched sample rates, or container metadata that other media players cannot interpret.

4. Re-conversions can produce other errors

Some users report that changing the audio codec to MP3 or AAC sometimes fixes the audio but may break the video track entirely. Misconfigured profile settings in VLC can lead to files that are playable only in VLC or specialized players.

5. Audio may be in an unsupported format for default players

VLC can convert audio into formats like M4A (AAC) that QuickTime or Windows Media Player may not recognize, leading to silent playback. This highlights VLC’s limitation as a converter despite its excellent playback capabilities.

VLC MOV to MP4 No Sound – Main Causes Explained

It’s a common frustration — you convert a MOV video to MP4 in VLC, only to find the final file plays in silence or produces sound exclusively in VLC. This issue isn’t random, it stems from how VLC manages codecs, containers, and encoding settings. Below are the main technical reasons why the VLC MOV to MP4 no audio issue happens.

1. Audio track disabled in the conversion profile

In some VLC conversion presets, the “Audio” option is unchecked by default. If you overlook this setting, VLC will output a video-only MP4 without an audio stream. You can confirm this by checking Tools → Codec Information in the converted file.

2. Incompatible audio codec or container mismatch

VLC often applies codecs such as MPEG Audio or M4A (AAC) that may not be recognized by players like Windows Media Player or QuickTime. VLC’s internal decoder can handle almost anything, but other programs adhere strictly to MP4 standards — resulting in silent playback even though the audio stream exists.

3. Strict standard compliance settings in VLC

By default, VLC enforces strict MP4 encoding rules that can flag the audio stream in a way some players fail to interpret. Adjusting the Strict standard compliance parameter under Tools → Preferences → Input/Codecs → FFmpeg may help align VLC’s output with more common playback standards.

4. Sample rate or bit rate mismatch

During MOV-to-MP4 conversion, VLC may alter the sample rate (for instance, from 44.1 kHz to 48 kHz). Certain players reject tracks using nonstandard sample rates, especially when the conversion doesn’t fully comply with MP4 norms. Matching the sample rate to the original file in Profile Settings → Audio Codec prevents this incompatibility.

5. Virtual or system audio device interference

Programs like OBS, VoiceMeeter, or virtual audio cables can disrupt VLC’s output, routing audio incorrectly and giving the illusion that no sound was encoded. Check that your default playback device is properly configured and that no other app is taking control of the audio path.

6. VLC’s conversion engine limitations

Although VLC excels as a media player, it wasn’t designed as a professional encoder. Its transcoding process can create technically valid but non-standard MP4 files. As a result, the file may play perfectly inside VLC but appear mute elsewhere due to minor format inconsistencies.

Fixes for "VLC MOV to MP4 No Audio/No Sound" Issue

Many users report that when converting MOV to MP4 in VLC, the resulting file has no audio or only plays sound in VLC but not in other players. This usually stems from audio codec mismatches, muted output settings, or conversion profile issues. Below are practical, verified fixes you can apply to make your converted MP4s play with full sound across all devices and players.

1. Check Audio Settings in the VLC Conversion Profile

VLC sometimes disables audio tracks by default during conversion. You can re-enable them manually:

• Go to Media → Convert/Save → add your MOV file.
• Select your preferred Profile → click the wrench icon next to it.
• Open the Audio codec tab → make sure Audio is checked.
• Set Codec to MP3 or AAC and match the Sample rate (44.1 kHz or 48 kHz).
• Save and start the conversion again.

2. Adjust VLC’s Strict Standard Compliance

When VLC enforces strict compliance, some audio tracks may become unplayable outside VLC. To loosen restrictions:

• Go to Tools → Preferences → Show All Settings.
• Navigate to Input / Codecs → Video codecs → FFmpeg.
• Set Strict standard compliance to -2.
• Save and restart VLC before reconverting.

3. Verify Audio Stream After Conversion

Check whether VLC actually included an audio stream in the output:

• Play the converted MP4 in VLC → go to Tools → Codec Information.
• If no audio stream appears, your conversion profile didn’t include audio properly — recheck Step 1.

4. Use FFmpeg or HandBrake for Reliable Conversion

VLC’s converter is convenient but not always standard-compliant. Dedicated tools ensure proper audio encoding:

• FFmpeg command example: ffmpeg -i input.mov -c:v copy -c:a aac output.mp4
• HandBrake: choose H.264 + AAC for broad compatibility.

5. Check System and Virtual Audio Settings

• Right-click the speaker icon on your taskbar → verify the correct playback device is selected.
• If you use OBS, VoiceMeeter, or virtual devices, make sure they aren’t rerouting or muting VLC’s output.

Summary: In most cases, enabling the audio track, setting a compatible codec, and disabling strict compliance resolve the “no audio” issue when converting MOV to MP4 in VLC. For consistent, cross-platform playback, FFmpeg or HandBrake remain more dependable options.

>> Read More: HEVC Codec Pack for VLC Media Player Free Download